Neighborhood Clinic Idea Gets Shot In The Arm

November 30, 1994|By MEREDITH CARLSON; Courant Staff Writer

NEW BRITAIN — Nearly a year after the city council opposed a state grant for a neighborhood health clinic, two private health care organizations have resurrected the clinic proposal and could get state financing this week.

State health officials confirmed Tuesday that Community Health Center of Middletown, with the support of New Britain General Hospital, applied for a state grant that could total $100,000 for the planning and staffing of a neighborhood clinic in New Britain.

``A decision is imminent on that project,'' said Laura Victoria Barrera, health program supervisor for the state Department of Health and Addiction Services. Barrera, who oversees the neighborhood clinics, said state officials have targeted New Britain -- the only municipality of its size and demographics without a residential medical office.

The office would provide residents with medical service in the neighborhood. Health officials believe it will also relieve the hospital emergency room from routine visits for colds and other minor ailments.

``I'm glad to see the effort is back on the table,'' said Hudson Birden, New Britain's health director. ``There are a number of people who need to be convinced of its need, but I think it will be a benefit to the city.''

Birden had intended to apply for a $50,000 state planning grant in January 1994, but the city council rejected the application. Council leaders wanted more information and time to consider the proposal.

Since then, hospital officials have been negotiating with the Middletown agency, which runs several health clinics in the region, for a similar clinic in New Britain, Birden said. Birden said he has not been involved in mapping the details of the plan, but he hopes to participate in the planning stages if the grant is approved.

New Britain General Hospital President Laurence Tanner had said he would not pursue state financing without the city's support. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Mark Masselli, executive director of the Middletown agency, also was unavailable for comment.

The state health department targeted New Britain as one of 10 communities in need of a neighborhood clinic. The city has a population of about 75,000, according to the 1990 census. At least 10,000 residents are older than 65 and another 10,000 are young children.

At least a third of the population lives in poverty, defined as a family of four with an annual income of less than $24,000. Although the city has a high concentration of medical professionals near the hospital, all doctors are concentrated in the southern section of the city.

The clinic would most likely be opened north of Route 72, Birden said.